Lance Barber Appreciates Young Sheldon's Humanized Take On George Sr.
Actor Lance Barber, before he was on "The Big Bang Theory" spin-off "Young Sheldon," had been on several sitcoms and dramedies in guest appearances and recurring roles. These included "Californication," "Monk," and "How I Met Your Mother." His most famous TV character for some time was the deranged, amoral Bill Ponderosa on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."
However, for all of his flaws, George Cooper Sr. on "Young Sheldon" is a very different kind of role from Barber, though. George struggles with how to properly care for his genius son Sheldon (Iain Armitage), but is also a devoted husband and father who always tries to do better.
Barber acknowledged feeling intimidated by living up to the expectations of audiences who were used to "The Big Bang Theory," but he also feels "Young Sheldon" has become its own distinct series (via Channel 9). Here's what he had to say about the show's take on George Cooper Sr.
Barber likes George's sweet moments on the show
When Lance Barber appeared on Serienjunkies in 2018, he was asked what he loved about making "Young Sheldon." Barber explained, "My favorite things to do in the show, and moments to watch, once they're done, are those sweet moments." Whereas Sheldon (Jim Parsons) on "The Big Bang Theory" insulted George Cooper Senior, now long dead, as an alcoholic fool, George is depicted much more positively on "Young Sheldon" as a well-meaning family man.
The actor suggests that the Sheldon that viewers see on "The Big Bang Theory" struggles with who his father was. But the "older, wiser" Sheldon narrating "Young Sheldon" actually "has a new perspective on who his parents were" and is able to view them with more humanity.
Barber also loves taping the scenes with George's kids as well, especially when "George is trying his best to be a good dad, and those are the most fun for me to play." George Cooper Sr. wasn't a perfect man, but "Young Sheldon" suggests that he was much more complex than what a 20-something Sheldon believed.